Handel’s Messiah

Handel’s Messiah marks Youghal Church’s 800th anniversary celebrations!

St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal which is launching the celebration of its delayed 800th anniversary by hosting a special performance of the one of the most popular pieces of classical music: GF Handel’s Messiah.

This will mark the start of a season of events to mark the 800th anniversary of the church: one of the oldest continuously used churches in Ireland, and famous for stunning architecture and fascinating history. This was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed because of the Covid 19 global pandemic.

The performance delivered by the well-known East Cork Choral Society and East Cork Orchestra, under the baton of director Colin Nicholls. The professional soloists are well known to Cork audiences: Gemma Magner; Soprano; Sarah Luttrell, Alto; Peter O’Reilly, Tenor and Gheorghe Palcu; Bass.

The performance will take place on Sunday 24th April at 7.30pm. Tickets are €15 and are available from Cree’s Card shop, North Main St., Youghal Tourism Office and on Eventbrite.ie (search Handel’s Messiah in Youghal). All proceeds from the concert will go towards the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal and local charities.

Sinead Solleveld

A programme of talks and exhibitions are planned this year, culminating in a weekend of events with Youghal Celebrates History and a closing service in the church where the guest preacher will be the Archbishop and Primate of all Ireland, Most Rev. John McDowell, on 23rd October.

Canon Andrew Orr, Rector, said “We are delighted to welcome The East Cork Choral Society & Orchestra to Youghal for this performance of the wonderful and stirring Messiah. This is such a wonderful way to launch our delayed 800th anniversary celebrations this year.”

Colin Nicholl, Director of East Cork Choral said “It is wonderful for the choir and orchestra to come together in this extraordinary place as part of the 800th anniversary celebrations. We are all thoroughly looking forward to the performance”.

Patrick Heaphy, Manager, Youghal Credit Union said, “It is great to see the St. Mary’s Collegiate Church 800th anniversary celebrations being launched with Handel’s Messiah, a wonderful concert in an amazing venue!, we are delighted to delighted to be part of the celebrations”.